This snack size Fresh Apple Cake with a Pecan Praline Sauce encapsulates all of my favorite things about a fresh apple cake. A dense rich caramel batter, fresh apple slices and toasted pecans. Top that with a homemade pecan praline sauce and it's pretty much perfection in my book. The only thing left to do is to top it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and enjoy the feeling of contentment after eating. Then you might want to take either a nap or a long walk. Maybe both.
Fresh Apple Cake with a Pecan Praline Sauce
The homemade cake batter in this recipe is thick nearly as thick as a cookie dough. The juice from the apples magically fills the batter while it's baking and it becomes moist and buttery. The cake is so good you could serve it slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar alone and it would be amazing. That said, the homemade pecan praline sauce takes it over-the-top and it's so easy to make. Since this cake is made in a single layer in a 9-inch square pan, it's fantastic for those smaller gatherings when you don't want too many leftovers.
Helpful Tips for Making and Storing Apple Cake
- If you want a smaller portion still, before glazing cut into desired size pieces and wrap them individually in freezer wrap and pop into the freezer.
- Thaw frozen pieces of apple cake overnight in the fridge, and enjoy a piece dusted with powdered sugar or whip up a batch of the pecan praline sauce when you want a little sumthin' sumthin' apple. Alongside a cup of coffee or hot tea this cake is my kind of mid morning treat.
- When serving this dessert immediately, I like to have fresh whipped cream ready for those who might enjoy a dollop on their cake. The cinnamon, apples, toasted pecans and buttery praline sauce turns this into one Southern style delight.
- You may also like to try these Cinnamon Apple Puffs from Lovefoodies.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Fresh Apple Cake With A Pecan Praline Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup roughly chopped pecans toasted
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- 4 medium apples peeled cored and thinly sliced
- Pecan Praline Sauce:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fresh whipped cream for serving optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes. Cool completely.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ginger and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla.
- Add wet to the dry ingredients and stir by hand until fully combined. Add sliced apples, and ¾ cup chopped pecans. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Spray a 9 x 9- inch non stick metal pan with baking spray. Spread the batter into the pan.
- Place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Lay a piece of aluminum foil on top and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center shows moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
- To make the pecan praline sauce:
- Add the brown sugar, heavy cream and butter to a heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to s boil then lower the heat and cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
- Remove form the heat and add the vanilla and remaining ½ cup toasted pecans. Mix well and cool for 5-10 minutes..
- Pour over the cake prior to serving with fresh whipped cream on the side, if desired.
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Hürüzat
Hello Melissa, I am going to bake it for Christmas. Can we freeze the pecan sauce as well? Or make it on a day before Christmas? Thank you for the answer if you see my message. Thank you for the recipe.:)
Melissa
Hello, You can freeze both, then gently rewarm the sauce and drizzle onto the cake before serving.
Hürüzat
Thank you very much for the answer! I'm excited about how it will be:)
Melissa
I hope you enjoy it, Merry Christmas!
Hürüzat
Merry Christmas!
Hürüzat
I wanted to ask if it is normal that the inside of cake is still soft? I have let it bake more time in the oven. But it is still soft. I hope it is normal.. Thank you.
Melissa
Always check the middle of the cake with a toothpick. If it comes back clean, it's done. Depending on how the apples are distributed throughout the batter, it could take a little longer to bake. Try the toothpick to be sure.
Hürüzat
It did work:) It tastes great. I just had a small piece of it. I put into the freezer. But it is delicious!! I´ll replace the whipped cream with ice-cream. I always eat with ice-cream. I am happy that is ready. Thank you again for the answer!
Melissa
That's great, ice cream is a good choice. Enjoy!
Debbie Howell
Can't wait to try this for my husband's birthday! What kind of apples do you use?
Melissa
I use what I have handy, either honey crisp, Granny Smith or use whatever's your preference.
Johanne
It's delicious , 10 stars ????????????????????????????????????thank you
Melissa
Thanks!
Pat
Oh my word! I wish I had a piece of this right now! It looks and sounds delicious, especially with the sauce. I can't wait to try it.
xo
Pat
Melissa
Thank you I hope you get a chance to try it.
Glenda
OMG! This looks and sounds amazing! I have to say you have some of the best recipes out there. Thank you so much for sharing all these incredible dishes! Happy Thanksgiving!
Melissa
Thank you Glenda this cake is amazing. It's truly special and so delicious!